Two Old Psychologists Talking About Stuff

Rich and Ray are joined by Dr Freddy Jackson-Brown, a clinical psychologist whose work straddles the fields of contextual behavioural science and artificial intelligence. Freddy speaks about how he has contributed to making psychological support more accessible to people in need through the use of AI, and we talk through some of the pros and cons of living in a world that is increasingly reliant on this new technology. This episode will help you figure out where you stand in relation to AI - are you an accelerationist, a scout, or a doomer? You'll also get to find out the answer to that question that we've all been pondering - would Ray listen to AI jazz?The Sylva family support app mentioned by Freddy can be found here. Also, you can read the Sylva validation study here.His papers on modelling RFT in neural networks are here and here.Freddy has written a couple of ACT books: Supporting the Wellbeing of Autistic Children and Young People: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Approach and When Young People with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism Hit Puberty: A Parents' Q&A Guide to Health, Sexuality and RelationshipsWhilst we would not normally encourage listeners to commit 'podultery' by going off and listening to other shows, if you want a deep dive into the world of AI, 'The Last Invention' is an excellent series that covers the growth of AI and many of the potential costs and benefits for society.If you want to send feedback, suggest topics for future episodes or make contact for any other reason, you can do so at [email protected]

In the first episode of the new 'invite a guest' season, Rich and Ray speak to Dr Dawn Johnson about how she applies Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) to her experience of living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Dawn speaks about her journey toward diagnosis, the impact of that diagnosis upon her, and how she has made use of ACT personally, as well as in her role as a psychologist working with other people with long-term health conditions.For anyone interested in seeking more information about Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, the Ehlers-Danlos Society is a reliable source of information and a great place to start.In the episode, we briefly touch on Ray's self-help book for people living with long-term health conditions, 'Living with the Enemy'.We also talk about the ACT Matrix, which is a way of using ACT to help make sense of a difficult situations. There is a great video introduction here, and a blank template for you to complete your own ACT Matrix here.If you want to send feedback, suggest topics for future episodes or make contact for any other reason, you can do so at [email protected]

In the final episode of Season Two, Rich and Ray discuss a core component of the Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) approach to unwelcome thoughts, known in the trade as 'defusion'. They cover some of the reasons why our unwelcome thoughts seem so convincing and hard to ignore, and some techniques for responding to such thoughts more effectively. Our two old psychologists discuss techniques for manipulating language, for undermining the literal interpretation of thoughts, and for creating some distance from troublesome thoughts.One of the techniques discussed in this episode is an old ACT classic commonly referred to as 'Passengers on the Bus'. If you fancy seeing a somewhat more youthful Rich, together with some colleagues, doing a video demonstration of that technique, you can find that here.If you want to send feedback, suggest topics for future episodes or make contact for any other reason, you can do so at [email protected]

So how are you settling in to 2026? How are you feeling about world events and the future prospects of our societies and our species? Unfortunately, there is a lot of data suggesting that anxiety is on the rise, and that many people are increasingly uneasy about the state of the world. Against a backdrop of polarised opinion, political tension, and rapid technological advances, it can be hard to find peace and purpose, and many of us are feeling it. In this episode, our two old psychologists wrestle with some of these issues and discuss what Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) might tell us about how to navigate life in the context of these external challenges, as well as our internal reactions to them.If you want to find out more about our chosen charity for Podcasthon 2026, you can do that at the wonderful Level Water.If you want to send feedback, suggest topics for future episodes or make contact for any other reason, you can do so at [email protected]

So, there goes 2025. Was it a vintage year or one we would rather consign to the dustbin of history? In this episode, Rich and Ray round off Season Two by picking over the bones of 2025, selecting their noteworthy moments of the year in terms of their professional lives, the news, wider culture, entertainment, and sport. As always, there is a psychological angle and a sprinkle of good humour over everything. It's surely the only podcast episode you can find that covers U.S. politics, prog rock, women's rugby, and risotto all in one hour. Go on...give it a listen!If you want to send feedback, suggest topics for future episodes or make contact for any other reason, you can do so at [email protected]

It can seem deeply counter-intuitive to work on accepting the discomfort that comes from the presence of unwanted thoughts or feelings. Nevertheless, there is a significant amount of psychological research pointing to the benefits of acceptance, rather than other common responses like avoiding or fighting such experiences. In this episode, Rich and Ray dive into the concept of acceptance, defining it, discussing how it can help in a range of situations, and demonstrating some quick and easy acceptance practices that listeners can take away and make use of. Along the way, you can learn why 'Inside Out' just might be the best movie ever made (aside from the original Star Wars film, obviously).If you want to send feedback, suggest topics for future episodes or make contact for any other reason, you can do so at [email protected]

Rich and Ray are joined by Dr Dawn Johnson, President of the UK and Ireland chapter of the Association for Contextual Behavioural Science (ACBS), to discuss the forthcoming conference in Manchester on 14-16 November 2025. It is the major meeting place for anyone interested in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and we would love to meet some our listeners there. Please do come and say hello!You can find out more and book tickets for one, two, or all three days of the conference at www.acbsukandireland.comIf you want to send feedback, suggest topics for future episodes or make contact for any other reason, you can do so at [email protected]

Following on from the previous episode, in which Rich and Ray took a theoretical and philosophical look at what is meant by 'the self', this episode is all about how to respond more healthily to the barrage of self-critical thoughts that most of us experience on a regular basis. As ever, our two old psychologists look at this issue through the lens of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), exploring a range of metaphors and techniques for managing self-criticism. They explore why they never talk about 'self-esteem' with their clients, the power of perspective-taking, container metaphors, and physicalising exercises. If all of that wasn't enough, their trademark digressions take in the joys of historical re-enactment, the impact of the killing of Charlie Kirk, the end of the world, and octopuses.The book that Rich co-wrote with Joe Oliver on this subject, 'The Mindfulness and Acceptance Workbook for Self-esteem', can be found here, along with some free guided meditations and downloadable tools.If you want to read the Baumeister et al (2003) review of self-esteem interventions, you can find that hereIf you want to send feedback, suggest topics for future episodes or make contact for any other reason, you can do so at [email protected]

In this episode, Rich and Ray take on the tricky problem of trying to understand what psychologists mean they talk about 'the self'. Is there really a 'me' in here or is it all just an illusion? In an effort to make such a deep and foundational concept understandable to the audience they provide one example of how 'the self' is made sense of, drawing on the theory and practice of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). They begin a conversation around how to help people who are struggling with identity and self-criticism, although since the topic is so big and important, this will be continued in next month's episode. Speaking of identity, for some light relief, this episode also contains references to our two psychologists' terrible fashion choices.The book that Rich co-wrote with Joe Oliver on this subject, 'The Mindfulness and Acceptance Workbook for Self-esteem', can be found here, along with some free guided meditations and downloadable tools.If you want to send feedback, suggest topics for future episodes or make contact for any other reason, you can do so at [email protected]

In this episode, Rich and Ray discuss the concept of values, which is a core component of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). They explore how to define personal values, and how they are different from goals, rules, or the kind of 'values' that corporations like to display in their marketing. Our two old psychologists demonstrate a few quick and easy experiential exercises that can help clarify values, and talk about how values might translate into actions. Be aware that this episode is not all sweetness and light as the pair also have a bit of a rant about call centres, automated checkout machines, and the behaviour of pesky young people at gigs.If you want to send feedback, suggest topics for future episodes or make contact for any other reason, you can do so at [email protected]

Rich and Ray, take a psychological angle on what it means to be a fan of something. Where does the word come from? What does it really mean? This episode dives into the function of fan behaviour and the wider context of fandom, exploring a little of our hosts' own history with fanaticism. Listeners should be warned that the episode contains more than the occasional reference to 1970s Doctor Who. Never have our old psychologists sounded so old.If you want to send feedback, suggest topics for future episodes or make contact for any other reason, you can do so at [email protected]

Are you interested in understanding why you have no control over what you do and why that might even be a good thing? This episode explores the age old philosophical and scientific question regarding to what extent human beings are able to exercise free will. Are we free agents doing whatever we choose, or are our actions largely determined by biological drives and environmental influences beyond our control? After teasing the audience for several episodes, Rich finally lays out the argument for determinism, and asks Ray to consider that seeing the world in this way might just make it a better place for everyone.There are a few 'deeper dive' recommendations made in this episode, and these are as follows:Determined by Robert SapolskyThe Brain by David EaglemanFree Will by Sam HarrisLiving BIG by Brené Brown & Ashley Brown RuizIf you want to send feedback, suggest topics for future episodes or make contact for any other reason, you can do so at [email protected]

Rich and Ray join Podcasthon 2025, focusing on Winston's Wish, a charity centered on supporting children childhood through grief. Drawing particularly upon Ray's extensive experience of working as a clinical psychologist with people at the end of their life, this episode explores the psychological themes around mortality, dying, and grief. Our hosts discuss why these issues can be so difficult for people to talk about, and just why it is so important for people to do so. As ever with this podcast, this episode filters the issues of loss and grief through the lens offered by Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).Here are links to the books mentioned in the episode:The End in Mind by Kathryn MannixHealthy Habits Suck by Dayna Lee BaggleyIf you want to send feedback, suggest topics for future episodes or make contact for any other reason, you can do so at [email protected]

In the first episode of season two, Rich and Ray catch up on recent developments in world politics, most notably, the apparent rise of populism and the re-election of Donald Trump to the US presidency. They explore the psychological conditions that play a role in nurturing these developments and consider some potential consequences. Aside from all of that, you can find out what happened when one old psychologist decided that it might be a good idea to experiment with growing his own fungi.Ray's book recommendation was 'Entangled Life' by Merlin Sheldrake, which you can find hereRich's recommended interview between Nihal Arthanayake and Gary Stevenson can be found on BBC Sounds hereThe International IDEA democracy assessment pages are hereIf you want to send feedback, suggest topics for future episodes or make contact for any other reason, you can do so at [email protected]

After a short break, our two old psychologists are gearing up for a second season. Here's a quick outline of what they've got planned.

It's Christmaaaaaaas! In this bonus episode to round off season one, Rich and Ray are joined by Dr Rachel Black and Dr Dawn Johnson for a discussion of all things Christmassy. This episode discusses the enduring cultural popularity of Christmas as a festival, with reference to both religious and secular traditions. The group discuss all the highs and lows of the festive season, sharing some views on how people might usefully navigate Christmas and look after their wellbeing at the same time. You can even find out their favourite Christmas song choices and Christmas present experiences. So, come and join a bunch of psychologists talking about Christmas!Dr Rachel Black appears courtesy of Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust and you can find more information about Dr Dawn Johnson at https://www.dawnjohnson.uk/If you want to send feedback, suggest topics for future episodes or make contact for any other reason, you can do so at [email protected]

Our hosts, Rich and Ray, conclude season one, and their journey through the show's title, by exploring an idea that sits deep within the DNA of modern psychotherapy, namely, that humans are not so much distressed by things, but rather, by what we think about things. Human minds have a remarkable ability to construct a version of reality that is so compelling, it can alter our perceptions of the real thing. This internal model of the world also drives much of our behaviour. Along the way, our two old psychologists also discuss topics as wide-ranging as cake, Richard Dawkins' new book, society's insatiable demand for feedback, and whether or not to eat offal.If you want to send feedback, suggest topics for future episodes or make contact for any other reason, you can do so at [email protected]

This episode takes the journey through the show's title to a whole new level of tenuous, where Rich and Ray use the word 'about' as a gateway into discussing how humans make sense of the world by relating to ideas and events in terms of other ideas and events. This leads to a discussion about how this ability can be harnessed as a means of promoting insight and behaviour change in a psychotherapy context via the deliberate use of metaphor. On the way, you can also find out how our hosts coped when their respective holiday plans went wrong, and why Ray spent his big birthday sat on a baggage carousel at Gatwick airport.If you want to send feedback, suggest topics for future episodes or make contact for any other reason, you can do so at [email protected]

This episode further continues the journey through the show's title, focussing on the unique communication abilities of human beings. Using the lens of Relational Frame Theory (RFT), Rich and Ray examine the structure and function of our capacity for language, and how it is that we can communicate so flexibly and at such scale. They also discuss why, at so many levels, we fail to communicate effectively with other. In this episode, you'll also learn about why September is such a big deal for Ray, and hear about Rich's experience of attending Pride in Belgrade.If you want to send feedback, suggest topics for future episodes or make contact for any other reason, you can do so at [email protected]

This episode continues to unpack the contents of the show's title, focussing on the field of psychology and the work of psychologists. Our hosts reflect on the deeper influence of psychology in our lives, why they chose careers in psychology, myths and misconceptions about psychologists, and what makes the field eternally fascinating. Rich also shares his concerns on the increasingly polarized nature of public discourse, whilst Ray bangs on for three whole precious minutes about the joys of building a shed.If you want to send feedback, suggest topics for future episodes or make contact for any other reason, you can do so at [email protected]

In this podcast episode, Rich and Ray discuss their recent observations, ranging from sports tournaments to significant political changes in the UK and US. They delve into societal perceptions of ageing, particularly in the context of productivity and respect. The conversation also highlights the age-related controversies in the US presidential election, contrasting the public's perception of Joe Biden and Donald Trump. Drawing from their professional experience in physical and mental health care, our hosts provide insights into what we gain and lose as we age, using personal anecdotes to illustrate the process.If you want to send feedback, suggest topics for future episodes or make contact for any other reason, you can do so at [email protected]

Join clinical psychologists Rich and Ray as they dive into the importance of human connection. From their serendipitous meeting at a psychology conference to forging a deep friendship, this episode explores why hanging out with others is vital. The duo discuss context in psychology, the cultural stories we tell ourselves about connection, and why solitary confinement is considered a severe punishment. Their humorous reflections reveal the innate social nature of humans and the quest for meaningful interactions.If you want to send feedback, suggest topics for future episodes or make contact for any other reason, you can do so at [email protected]